When Caleb and Phil crashed in Central Park and Phil’s very expensive bike was pronounced dead, I offered several times to compensate Phil in some way for his loss. He adamantly refused over and over again. As we were saying our good-byes, I gave it one final shot and he conceded to suggesting a donation to help buy children much needed test strips. Of course I jumped at the opportunity and was slightly embarrassed at not thinking of it myself.

To hear that children in Rwanda test their blood sugar once a week or more likely once a month is saddening.

Living with type 1 diabetes under the best of circumstances is a challenge. Caleb has the most advanced tools available to him, yet we worry all the time, we miss the mark often resulting in out of range blood sugars that make him feel unwell or disrupt his day. I worry that despite our best efforts, he will grow up and develop complications as a result of living with this disease for the majority of his life.

But I do not have to worry that he will inevitably and quickly become blind, develop nerve damage or kidney failure and have a significantly shortened life expectancy.

Our family has made a monetary donation to Team Type 1 to help buy life-saving medical supplies. Our School Blue-nity event will ask our community to support Phil’s efforts too. In addition to asking classmates and staff to wear blue on November 14th, the administration has agreed to make it a “dollar day”, asking anyone willing and able to bring in a dollar to support this worthy cause.

Thank you yet again, Phil, for all that you do. Caleb is so proud to be able to possibly influence some aide for these children to which he so greatly relates. Thank you for giving that to him.

This is all so sobering. We are all so blessed to have insulin, clean syringes, technology of pumping and life saving devices for our kids. There but for the grace of God go you and I, right?!
Great idea for WDD. You and Caleb rock!

Sarah, Great question! YES! They will accept test strips as well. Click on the picture above and you will be brought to the Team Type 1 donation page. You have the option of choosing “donate strips” and you will get specific mailing instructions from there!